Veterans’ Day 2010–Lest We Forget

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

Earlier today, I published a post celebrating my daughter’s birthday. She’s always proudly shared her birthday, however, with an important holiday–Veterans’ Day, so named in a bill signed by President Eisenhower in 1954. It is celebrated on the date that marked the end of World War I. In Canada, England and other Commonwealth countries, it’s known as Remembrance Day. By any name, it is a time to stop and ponder on the sacrifices, the courage and the service of veterans everywhere. It is a day to honor the memory of those who have passed on and to honor the commitment of those who serve still. Regardless of the war, police action or skirmish in which they served/are serving, these soldiers command our esteem and our gratitude–whether we agree with the politics or not. Never again should a soldier come home to America to be reviled and spat upon as was my husband and many other Vietnam era vets. Those brave boys did not start the war, nor did many of them even endorse it, but they did their duty. They, and all others, who serve their country deserve honor and respect. Theirs is a debt which can never ever be repaid.

Never has there been a good war or a bad peace. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Three of the most influential men in my life have served in the military–my father, my husband and my father-in-law. To say I am proud of them is not enough by half. I have brothers-in-law and cousins who served, uncles and friends as well. I know young men today just as committed and brave. God bless them–heroes all. (From left to right: Calvin Daniel Myers, Harold Warren Ideus, Warren Lewis Ideus.)

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

On this day, veterans and soldiers are honored in special ceremonies, parades, speeches and the like. But their service and their sacrifice go on always. Let’s never forget that. Keep all those in harm’s way in your prayers–as well as their families and loved ones, who share the burden of sacrifice. For those that have passed on, keep their memories and stories alive so that we never ever forget.

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. ~José Narosky

Freedom is never free. ~Author Unknown

(Many thanks to my daughter Becca for the scanned images of our family heroes.)